Tips for Caring for Your Older Dog

September 1, 2018

Pet owners often have a difficult time accepting that their dog is aging. Maybe they are starting to have more health issues, or they aren’t jumping around the way they used to when they were a puppy. While accepting that your dog is getting older can be difficult, it’s important to adapt to the changing needs of your furry friend. This way, even as your dog moves into the “senior” category, they can still maintain a high quality of life. Here are some ways you can make sure your older pet is living their best life.

Feed Them Well

From wee pups to more seasoned canines, all dogs need adequate nutrition. However, as your dog ages, it is especially important for them to receive all the nutrients they need to stay active. You should talk to your vet about what type of diet is best for your dog’s specific health concerns. Your vet will give you recommendations for brands to look for, ingredients to make sure are included, and any special age-related formulas they may need.

Prioritize Exercise

While your older dog might be more inclined to hang out on the couch these days, it doesn’t mean that you should let them live a sedentary lifestyle. It’s important for your pup to get enough exercise because it benefits them both physically and mentally. While your dog may not be down for the long hikes of their puppy days, regular, less strenuous walks will help keep them active and feeling in tip-top shape.

Schedule Your Regular Vet Visits

When it comes to senior pets, a lot can happen with their health very quickly. This means its crucial to make sure your pet is visiting the vet at least every six months for a wellness checkup. If your dog is seeing a vet regularly, it is much more likely that they will be able to catch any diseases or other issues early enough to treat it.

It can be beneficial to talk to your vet about the issues that their breed faces specifically. For example, some breeds, like pugs, are susceptible to health problems like canine hip dysplasia. Other breeds are more likely to develop diabetes, arthritis, or kidney problems. It’s a good idea to ask your vet about any early warning signs to look out for, as well as any diet or exercise suggestions that they may have.

Keep Their Smile Bright

Dental care is an often-forgotten but very important aspect of dog health. From a young age, it’s important to regularly brush their teeth, but this becomes even more important as they age. Neglected teeth can wreak havoc on your pet’s health. For example, tartar build up can lead to gingivitis, which in turn, can facilitate bacteria flowing through the bloodstream and having a negative impact on their organs. If you want to keep your dog healthy for years to come, one of the simplest yet most powerful things you can do is regularly brush their teeth and gums, and to take them into the vet for cleanings every year.

As your dog ages, they need more love and attention, but your added care pays off in more years of unconditional love. Friday’s Rescue appreciates all of the older dogs for adoption in our care, whose years of life only add to their sweetness and loyalty. If you’re interested in adopting a senior pet, contact us to schedule a visit.